GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13336, 30 January 1909, Page 7

GARDEN NOTES.

(Br Hobtus.)

In consequence of the humidity of the summer, violets, primroses, and polyanthus, should make a record display of bloom next stpring. Wo havo never previously seen these plants in such a vigorous condition at this season of .the year. As a rule, tho foliage is burnt up or suffering attack of red spider during the heat of summer, but at present they look as

rigorous and green as in tho spring;. With a continuance of groirth. an abundant supply ©f violet blooms tony ho expected starting in early autumn and continuing all through tho winter Violet- aro making runners and forming now plants more abundantly this season than usuaL Theso new plantwill soon bo nicely rootod, and about tho first week in March may be sot out in a now plot of ground, and, should tho weather condition- bo favourable, will havo got* a grip of th© soil before the winter. These young plants will bear bloom in th© spring, and w© predict of much finer quality than those growing on tho old roots. Generally speaking, gardens of aH kinds, both largo and small, aro now. looking rtheir best, and will oontinno to reward thetr owners for somo weeks vet. Iho present summer has meant much to -those whoso soil is sandy, and wo cannot rtvmonvber when dry gardens looked so well before as they do this season. Tlie only fly iv the ointment is tito shortage in the fruit gardens, which nave suffered all through iho season, first with frosts, then with hail, and later with too much moisture. Weeds, owing to climatic conditions, are moro than usually prevalent, at this season of the year, but with warm, dry weather those- may soon bo destroyed. Complaints are being made that French and runner beans are not. doing well this year. Not only are they not blooming treoly but tho growtJi generally i* stunted. This is accounted for by tho "' ot a »« oold especially tho latter, f hese plants, lovmg a tropical climate, and douig best whore it is warm, havo not grown well during tho cold, trot, changeable weather. Should tho autumn bo hot and dry, a crop of ■; these popular vegetables may vet bo expectc-. * *